The Chris A Wachenheim Foundation
The organization is a private foundation dedicated to supporting various charitable causes, primarily focusing on education, food security, healthcare, and community services. It provides general support to a range of recipients, including educational institutions like Williams College and Rye Country Day School, food banks such as Feeding Westchester, and healthcare facilities like Blythedale Children's Hospital. The foundation's mission reflects a commitment to enhancing community well-being and cultural heritage. Its funding activities are concentrated in New York and Massachusetts, indicating a regional focus in its philanthropic efforts.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
Established local or regional nonprofits with existing ties to the foundation or trustees—commonly independent schools, colleges, and community organizations in New York or nearby Massachusetts seeking general operating support.
Good Fit
- • An existing relationship or introduction to a trustee or current grantee.
- • An educational institution, community nonprofit, hospital, or food-security organization based in NY or MA.
- • A request for general operating support within the foundation's historical grant size range (roughly $5K–$145K).
- • A track record of repeat funding or prior receipt from the foundation.
Geography
In the latest year grants were made to organizations in two states, with just over half the dollars staying in New York and the remainder largely to Massachusetts, indicating a regional (state-level) footprint rather than a single-city focus.
Recipient Variety
The latest year shows eight distinct recipients across education, health, food security, and cultural organizations, but the portfolio is dominated by a recurring core of grantees (seven returning recipients), so variety is moderate rather than broad.
New Applicants
The foundation explicitly restricts awards to preselected applicants and observed behavior shows very low turnover (only one new recipient in 2024 and a high rate of returning grantees), so unfamiliar applicants are unlikely to enter the portfolio without a direct introduction.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
